Billy Elliot

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Billy Elliot

R,

2000,

1h 50m,

Drama/

LGBTQ+

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Watchlist

85%

120 Reviews

Tomatometer

89%

250,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

120 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

250,000+ Ratings

The life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot, a coal miner's son in Northern England, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Before long, he finds himself in dance, demonstrating the kind of raw talent seldom seen by the class' exacting instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson. With a tart tongue and a never-ending stream of cigarettes in her hand, Mrs. Wilkinson's zest for teaching is revived when she sees Billy's potential.

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Critics Consensus

Billy Elliot is a charming movie that can evoke both laughter and tears.

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Charlotte O'Sullivan

Independent (UK)

Nov 15, 2017

It's as raw a slice of escapism as you could wish for.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 22, 2010

4/5

Terrific story of young ballet dancer has strong language.

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Robert Horton

Film.com

Jan 1, 2000

The unvarnished, non-enhanced spectacle of a human being executing a display of physical prowess will always have the power to astonish, and the young Mr. Bell proves this very nicely.

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Jan 3, 2026

8/10

While the core focus on the film on uplifting themes like choosing one’s own destiny and artistic expression, its situation within the 1984 miner’s strike delivers a texture and a tone that elevates the entire film.

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Andrew Kendall

Stabroek News

Jul 17, 2025

“Billy Elliot” seems to be sustained by the boy’s own agitated sense of growing up. “Billy Elliot” is warm, but never precious. Instead, it develops with a sharp sense of tenacity that mirrors Billy’s own dogged pursuit of his dreams.

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Joanne Laurier

World Socialist Web Site

Mar 5, 2021

Billy Elliot is not a masterpiece, but it is a work, in the first place, driven by considerable feeling.

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Apr 20, 2019

Fantastic film. The mix of the pure innocence of Billy, playing at the same time as the miners strike. Genius. Fantastic soundtrack.

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Abraham S

Feb 28, 2019

A timeless contemporary classic on individualism countering hypermasculinity through a quite energetically pursuing youth while being conflictingly affected by the dysfunctional state of the fragile, harsh family. This very formula that the narrative base stemmed from enables an emotionally supportive heart with innocent humor and mostly tough drama, all being continuously expressed by the stirring score. (B+) (Full review TBD)

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Kylo R

Feb 9, 2019

totally teared up. i didn't really watch the middle of the film 100%, but i don't feel like i missed much... seems to be a pretty predictable story. but the end got me, regardless. when the dad started crying, i turned into a puddle. very nice movie.

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Draco W

Nov 28, 2018

Finally, I can say that I've watched "Billy Elliot". There's something so raw and beautiful about the European cinema that I personally adore, and then there's another level of truthfulness in the British cinema, such an atmosphere, that every single story transforms into this great experience. I am familiar with Stephen Daldry and his creative style, by watching "The Crown", but I can honestly say his direction is lifting this story into other levels. He created a small little gem that I personally loved. Young Jamie Bell is giving the performance of a lifetime playing young Billy. He simply gave his soul to his role. Everyone is exceptional, the entire cast is doing an extraordinary job. The plot is amazing, the score is beautiful, the direction is on point, the acting is excellent, the movie is brilliant. A gem of British film making!

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Leia S

Oct 4, 2018

my mum, grandmother and i love watching this film every time we visit wales

Albus R

Jul 12, 2018

A film in the same British old as The Full Monty but doesn't produce the laughs of that film. It felt quite short in my opinion so i think i was literally expecting more from it that i got.

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Stephen Daldry

Director

Julie Walters

Mrs. Wilkinson

Jamie Bell

Billy

Jamie Draven

Tony

Gary Lewis

Dad

Jean Heywood

Grandma

Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Like Electricity

1:52

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Private Lessons

2:10

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Pirouette Practice

2:10

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Why Don't You Join In?

2:10

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Royal Ballet Audition

1:36

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Billy’s Acceptance Letter

3:00

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - You're Not Concentrating

2:09

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Not For Lads

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Billy Says Goodbye

2:15

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Billy Elliot: Official Clip - Dancing for Dad

1:53

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Synopsis

The life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot, a coal miner's son in Northern England, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Before long, he finds himself in dance, demonstrating the kind of raw talent seldom seen by the class' exacting instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson. With a tart tongue and a never-ending stream of cigarettes in her hand, Mrs. Wilkinson's zest for teaching is revived when she sees Billy's potential.

Director: Stephen Daldry
Producer: Greg Brenman, Jonathan Finn, Luc Besson
Screenwriter: Lee Hall, Jessica Kaplan
Distributor: Universal Pictures, USA Films
Production Co: Arts Council of England, Working Films, BBC, Studio Canal, WT², Tiger Aspect Pictures
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 18, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $22.0M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Surround
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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